Alun Wyn Jones
Former Wales captain on BBC One

Obviously the results are what they are, but I think the emotive and frustrating element of it now is are we giving these players the structure to fulfil their potential?

That's just not at the pro level, that's at all levels.

Let's have a clear plan moving forward.

The flame throwers have helped warm everyone under the Principality Stadium roof.

Now the anthems will raise the temperatures even more.

First up, Ireland's Call.

And now Mae hen Wald Fy Nhadau.

I told you there would be more of these...

Wales

• Wales could lose nine successive matches for the first time in the championship's history.

• Wales have lost 14 of their last 15 Six Nations matches, including their last eight in a row.

• Fourteen successive Test defeats extends the worst losing run in their 144-year history.

• Their most recent victory was a 43-19 Rugby World Cup triumph over Georgia in October 2023.

• Wales have scored 15 points in their two matches so far– their lowest-ever tally after two rounds of the Six Nations.

Ireland

• Ireland have won 18 of their last 20 Six Nations matches, averaging 4.1 tries per game and securing 14 try bonus points.

• They are bidding to become the first nation to win three successive outright titles in the championship's history. It is a feat that has only been previously achieved including shared titles.

• However, Simon Easterby's side have lost two of their last four Tests away from home.

• They have recorded just 47% possession across their opening two games, the least of any nation other than Italy, but have still recorded the most territory (56%) and most opposition 22 entries 22 (22).

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

You get the feeling Matt Sherratt is just what the Wales players need right now.

A hugely positive, jovial, relaxed fella who uses the carrot rather than the stick when it comes to young players who, let's be honest, must be feeling pretty low after the record 14 Test defeats in a row.

"Matt has made a big point about changing the mindset and players enjoying being in the Wales set up," said back row Aaron Wainwright.

"A massive thing is about sticking together as a player group because we're the only ones that can change things over the next couple of weeks.

"After some of the things we have seen on social media or read in the press, it just makes you want to go out and prove them wrong. That's definitely a driver for me this weekend.

"It's a massive challenge against Ireland, one of the best teams in the world. They're incredibly detailed in whatever they do and all the little things that they can get away with.

"So we have to be right on our game and enjoying the challenge. I'm sure the fans will get a sense of that."

Andrew Cotter
Commentator on BBC One

"Interim coach or not, Matt Sherratt has stamped his own mark on a radically-altered Wales side.

"Players overlooked by Warren Gatland get their chance, such as Anscombe returning at fly-half and the powerful young Gloucester centre Llewellyn. Not to mention the debutant Mee starting on the wing.

"The visitors have made plenty of their own changes, among them the loss of captain Doris to injury.

"But the strength of the Irish squad and system is such that rotation of component parts doesn't seem to weaken the whole machine.

"Can a home side in upheaval really contain an Irish side going for a third successive title and a Triple Crown here? Wales have suffered on their travels so far - how badly they need the lift that Cardiff, under the roof, could provide."

Tommy Bowe
Former Ireland winger on BBC One

Ellis Mee is a really exciting prospect. I think he's only played 10 times for the Scarlets.

It'll be a baptism of fire up against Mack Hansen with the speed, tempo and width of this Irish team. When I talk to people in Welsh rugby, they say he has a really high ceiling.

If he can get the ball in his hands, settle the nerves, he can get this crowd off his back.

Image source, Getty Images

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby on being linked with a permanent role with Wales: "Of course there's been speculation but that's all there is speculation, I'm not in control of that.

"I love it here, I'm very fortunate with the people I get to work with here. For me, it's a dream job.

"Right now this is my only focus, whatever happens in the future, in a year's time I could lose my job and in sport it's very fluid.

"I've had no contact with the WRU, for me it's all guns blazing towards Cardiff on Saturday and making sure me and the team prepare the team the right way."

Sam Warburton
Former Wales captain on BBC One

I remember watching the Scarlets play, I was really impressed with Ellis Mee.

He's got aerial skills, he's tall, a good eye for a line break, a good kicking game, so all the nuts and bolts of a winger.

Whether he's ready right now... he'll need more time, he needs to bulk up a bit, but I do think he's going to be a good player for the future.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt on making eight changes: "There are numerous reasons like a couple of little injury doubts. And then my mindset coming in was to enjoy it and do it my way. Some of the selections are towards that.

"Ireland are cohesive. They're very Leinster-heavy and have been together a long time. So it's important to pick a team that had some familiarity with 9-10-12-13. I don't think Ireland is a time to experiment.

"Having those combinations together, who have got relationships and can talk to each other on the field and pick up each other's habits, is important."

Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI Journalist at Principality Stadium

As the Ireland players go through their final preparations, the band has started into a rendition of the 'Fields on Athenry' bringing a big cheer from the travelling supporters dotted around this great stadium.

The visitors have put the clunky performances of the autumn behind them so far in this championship and, here in round three, have a Triple Crown up for grabs this afternoon.

Interim head coach Simon Easterby has stressed all week that there are areas where his side can improve from the first fortnight and he's certainly rolled the dice in terms of selection with seven changes from the Scotland win.

The former Scarlets flanker continues to put his stamp on the side during this temporary stint - will he have his hands on some silverware in a couple of hours?

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

I know there are those of you out there who love this sort of thing...

• Ireland have won seven of their last eight Tests against Wales, including the last three in a row by margins of more than 20 points.

• Their 34-10 win in 2023 ended a run of four Six Nations defeats in Cardiff.

• Simon Easterby's side can win consecutive Six Nations matches in Wales for the first time in 16 years.

• Ireland have outscored Wales by four tries to one in each of the three most recent Six Nations meetings.

Don't worry, lots more stats to come before kick-off.

Image source, Inpho

Robbie Henshaw believes competition for places is helping Ireland's players get "the best out of each other" in their Six Nations campaign.

The back-to-back champions remain on course for the "threepeat" after opening wins over England and Scotland and will secure the Triple Crown with victory over Wales today.

Henshaw started against Scotland after coming off the bench against England with Easterby also able to call upon Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose for his midfield spots.

The trio have rarely all been fit for the duration of the same Test window but the 31-year-old says the switches in personnel have been "seamless" so far.

"We know each others' strengths inside out at this stage," he said.

"A lot of work goes on to make sure everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet.

"Everyone is delighted to have contributed in the first games. We're always pushing the bar to keep improving each other and keep getting the best out of each other."

Image source, Getty Images

Ever heard the one about the Yorkshireman, Irishman and adopted Welshman?

No it's not the opening line of a joke but the man being touted as the potential next Wales head coach.

We've just been looking at possible candidates to replace Warren Gatland.

Well timing, as with any good gag, is everything and by a twist of fate Simon Easterby leads the first opposition to Cardiff since Gatland's exit.

Yet the interim Ireland coach could be the closest thing Welsh rugby has had to one of its own leading the national team in 18 years.

He went to the same school as Lawrence Dallaglio and was, at one time, Ireland's most capped flanker but his rugby was forged in west Wales. Other than the colour of his passport, Easterby is pure Scarlet.

The ex-forward played more than 200 times for the club over the course of 11 years, alongside his brother for many of those and including five seasons as captain.

Easterby was the last man to lead out Llanelli at their ancestral home of Stradey Park and was even a pallbearer at the funeral of the great Ray Gravell.

Three times a Welsh Cup winner and a Celtic League champion, he also came within a crossbar's width of a European Heineken Cup final - all with the same club.

He spent the next four years at Scarlets as a coach, two as head coach, before the lure of international rugby with Ireland came knocking.

But could the pull now come from the opposite direction?

His former Llanelli team-mates explain why he could be the perfect man to replace Gatland.

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby, speaking on BBC One:

On being linked with the Wales job:

"I've got a top job at the moment! I'm very lucky to be doing what I'm doing, so today's it about performance, it's not about me, it's about the Irish team going out and playing better than we did last time and striving to be the best team we can be."

On making seven changes:

"A couple of guys are carrying a few things and it's natural during a Six Nations to give guys an opportunity.

"The nature of the squad and the continuity we've got in the wider squad means we're comfortable with who we've selected today.

Sheehan as captain:

"He's been around the leadership group for a while. You've seen how influential he's been off the bench but he's a leader without having to say too much. He's very relaxed in the environment.

"This is part of the process for him building his leadership and continuing to develop as a player."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Ireland could lift the Triple Crown today... but how many times of they previously won that accolade?

A) 12

B) 13

C) 14

No prizes I'm afraid, perhaps just bragging right among your mates. Answer to come before kick-off.

It'll be a bitter pill to swallow for Cian Prendergast to miss out through illness this afternoon.

The Connacht back row has earned four caps through his Test career but this was set to be his Six Nations bow.

There's still one Prendergast in the Ireland side of course, with brother Sam starting at fly-half.

Image source, Getty Images